Religious trauma, also known as “religious trauma syndrome,” is a form of complex PTSD that sometimes occurs in people who have spent significant time as part of a high-control or fundamentalist religious group or cult. People with religious trauma can experience a variety of symptoms, including persistent shame and guilt, problems in relationships, difficulty making decisions, excessive anxiety, nightmares, rigid thinking and poor self-worth, among others.
It can be confusing trying to figure out life after religion. When you have been raised in religion, or you’ve just spent significant time being deeply involved as a believer, it can have a lasting impact.
As an exvangelical therapist (i.e. someone who used to be an evangelical Christian), I understand the fundamental shift you’ve had to go through to get where you are today. It’s not just about freeing up your Sundays.
But even after you’ve left and you’ve consciously decided your beliefs have changed, there can still be lingering problems from adverse religious experiences. Examples include:
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt and shame
- Identity confusion
- Internalized homophobia or transphobia
- Religious trauma
- Conflict with family
- Sexual problems, especially related to purity culture
- Internalized sexism
- Depression or sadness
- Isolation or loss of support system
Does any of this sound like you? Let’s chat about how I can help.